Mangla (Urdu: منگلا) town is located in Mirpur District, Azad Kashmir at the border with Jhelum district Punjab, with Jhelum river making the boundary. Mangla is an ancient town and is slated to be named after Mangla Devi. It is also the site of crossing of river Jhelum by Alexander forces facing Raja Porus[1]. At the time of construction of Mangla dam, Villages of Thill, Baral and Baruti across the river in Jhelum district were developed as residential colonies and offices for foreign workers and officials. This has now been converted to a military cantonment and referred as Mangla cantonment.
Mangla is located 10 km from Mirpur city at the mouth of the Mangla Dam. The construction of the Dam reservoir, which has a perimeter of 400 km, has turned it into a place of interest. Mangla also hosts the Mangla Power Station which is second largest in Pakistan.
Mangla is also the site of historic Mangla fort. The fort is situated on a high hill overlooking Jhelum river dividing Mirpur and Jhelum districts. Most of the fort was razed during the construction of Mangla dam, a part remained and served as a public recreation place. It is now closed to general public due to Mangla dam upraising project.